World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesAlien
/ˈeɪ.li.ən/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
3 senses- 1
A hypothetical or fictional being from another world or planet.
"Science fiction often depicts aliens visiting Earth in advanced spacecraft." - 2
A foreigner who is not a citizen of the country in which they are living.
"The immigration office handles residency permits for foreign aliens."
- 1
Unfamiliar and disturbing or differing greatly from one's own customs, beliefs, or environment.
"The customs of the remote tribe felt completely alien to the traveler."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'alienus', meaning 'of another person, strange, foreign', which stems from 'alius', meaning 'other'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century via Old French with the primary meaning of belonging to another country or person, eventually evolving to encompass extraterrestrial beings in the 20th century.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Alien"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Alien" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
extraterrestre
Transliteration: /ɛk.stʁa.tɛ.ʁɛstʁ/
"Le film raconte l'histoire d'un extraterrestre amical."
Außerirdische
Transliteration: /ˈaʊ̯sɐˌʔiːʁdɪʃə/
"Wissenschaftler suchen nach Spuren von Außerirdischen im All."
alieno
Transliteration: /aˈljɛ.no/
"La storia parla di un incontro con un alieno."
extraterrestre
Transliteration: /eks.tɾa.teˈres.tɾe/
"Muchas películas de ciencia ficción tratan sobre la vida extraterrestre."
extraterrestre
Transliteration: /is.tɾa.tɛˈɾɛs.tɾi/
"O astrônomo procurava sinais de vida extraterrestre."
परंतु
Transliteration: anyagrahi
Script: अन्यग्रही
"वैज्ञानिक अंतरिक्ष में अन्यग्रहियों की खोज कर रहे हैं।"
外星人
Transliteration: wàixīngrén
"很多人相信宇宙中存在外星人。"
외계인
Transliteration: oegyein
"영화 속의 외계인은 지구를 방문했습니다."
宇宙人
Transliteration: uchūjin
"彼は宇宙人を見たと言い張っている。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsExplore Nuanced Synonyms for "Alien"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.